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Tancho Medaka
IntermediateA medaka strain with a pure white body and a red cap on the crown, evoking Japan's red-crowned crane. The red cap is hard to fix, so careful selection is essential.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
15〜30℃
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Diet
Medaka food, daphnia
About
Tancho medaka is an improved variety with a white body and red markings only on the head, evoking the iconic Tancho crane (Japanese red-crowned crane). The concept mirrors Tancho koi (white body with red only on the head), and its dignified appearance captivates many enthusiasts. Head-spot fixation rate is low — producing ideal tancho pattern requires mass breeding and rigorous selection. Carotenoid-rich food maintains the head red; outdoor sunlight enhances coloration. White containers with top-view observation clearly reveal the tancho pattern. Peaceful temperament. The combination of pattern beauty and breeding difficulty gives this variety deep collector appeal.
Lifespan of the Tancho Medaka
The Tancho Medaka lives 2-3 years.
Size of the Tancho Medaka
The Tancho Medaka grows to 3-4cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Tancho Medaka
The ideal temperature for the Tancho Medaka is 15〜30℃.
Hardy in 5–30°C, neutral to slightly alkaline water.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Temperature
Care Specifications
- pH
- 7–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 9–19 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 15–30℃
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Easy
Sources: FishBase: Oryzias latipes / Seriously Fish: Oryzias latipes
Morphs (Varieties)
Selectively bred killifish are trait combinations of body form × body color × pattern × luminescence (internal/external) × scale types (transparent scales) × sparkle × fin morphology and so forth. Published entries include only confirmed traits constituting the given variety, with genetic inheritance patterns provided only for confirmed traits (uncertain cases omitted). Genetic patterns are provided as reference for breeding.
RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).
White body
Other
Red head-spot pattern (tancho)
Sources: JMA Japan Medaka Association — Improved Medaka Variety Classification Manual (JA) / Improved Medaka Web Encyclopedia (medakazukan, JA)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Synonyms: Aplocheilus latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846), Poecilia latipes Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, Oryzias latipes latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · Japan Medaka Association — Variety Classification Manual (JA)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Tancho Medaka Listings
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